Vancouver Waterfront
— Visit & Explore —
Why Visit the Waterfront?
Set along the Columbia River, the Vancouver Waterfront blends river views, walkable paths, dining, and green space into one of the city’s most popular places to explore.
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Vancouver's Waterfront sits along the curves of the Columbia River—giving sweeping river views and easy access to the water.
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At its center: the 7.3-acre Vancouver Waterfront Park, developed as part of a $1.5 billion mixed-use redevelopment that transformed former industrial land into a vibrant public and community space.
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The park’s focal point is the dramatic Grant Street Pier—a 90-foot cable-stayed pedestrian pier that juts out over the Columbia, designed to evoke the billow of a passing sailboat.
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The Waterfront isn’t just for views—it's a full community hub: dining, shopping, public art, trails, park space, and more, all within walking distance. (see below)
What You Can Do at the Waterfront
From scenic walks and waterfront dining to parks, trails, and local shops, there’s plenty to experience at the Vancouver Waterfront year-round.
Walking, Biking & Waterfront Trail
The Waterfront connects directly to paved riverfront trails, making it easy to explore the area on foot or by bike.
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The Waterfront links to the larger Columbia River Renaissance Trail—a paved, accessible 5-mile trail (10.8 miles round-trip) connecting downtown Esther Short Park to Wintler Community Park, passing along the river with views of water, the riverfront, and even Mount Hood in the distance. -
Many visitors complete the waterfront walk in ~1–1.5 hours, but you can wander longer depending on how many detours (restaurants, parks, viewpoints) you add.
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The trail and promenade are suitable for walking, jogging, biking, roller-blading—and are open year-round, making the Waterfront great for all seasons.
Tip: For the most scenic and complete experience, start near Waterfront Park/Grant Street Pier, stroll along the riverfront, and venture east toward Wintler Park—an easy out-and-back or full-trail option.
Waterfront Park & Family-Friendly Amenities
Waterfront Park offers open green space, play areas, seating, and river access, making it a favorite stop for families and casual visitors.
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Waterfront Park includes an interactive water-play feature known as the Headwaters Wall—a topographical bronze map of the Columbia River watershed that doubles as a splash pad for kids on warm days.
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The park offers open lawns (great for picnics or playing), an “urban beach” area for sandcastles, seating spots ideal for relaxing or watching the river, and generous green space for leisure.
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The combination of park, trail and river views makes it ideal for families, groups, or solo strolls at almost any time of day or season.
Dining, Drinks & Waterfront Restaurants
The Waterfront features a mix of restaurants, breweries, wine tasting rooms, and casual spots with views of the Columbia River.
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The Waterfront development offers a variety of dining and drink options, from casual bites to upscale meals. For example: WildFin American Grill (seafood on the waterfront), Ruse Brewing, The Waterfront Taphouse, Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar, plus several wineries and tasting rooms nearby.
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Whether you want quick fish 'n' chips or a leisurely dinner while the sunset glows across the river, the Waterfront offers variety and ambiance.
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For budget-conscious visitors: while some restaurants lean upscale, many casual and mid-tier spots (and seasonal windows) make the Waterfront accessible for a wide range of budgets.
Shopping & Local Culture
Shops and small businesses near the Waterfront and in nearby downtown Vancouver add local flavor to a riverfront visit.
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Within walking distance from Waterfront Park there are boutiques, tasting rooms, galleries, and local shops—including some in the adjacent downtown core—offering a mix of local flavor, gifts, and artisan goods.
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Because downtown is so close, your Waterfront visit can easily become a full day out—take a riverfront walk, stop for food or shopping, and keep exploring Vancouver’s lively city center.
Essential Tips for Visiting the Waterfront
How Much Time Should You Spend?
Whether you have an hour or a full afternoon, the Waterfront is easy to fit into visits of all lengths.
Here’s a rough guide:
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1–2 hours: A quick stroll on the Waterfront trail and grab a bite or coffee.
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Half-day: Walk the Waterfront, explore restaurants and hang out in the park or picnic, and maybe a little shopping.
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Most of a day / full day: Combine Waterfront walk, dining, waterfront park, trail and downtown stroll or side-trip (to some of Vancouver's famous historic sites for instance).
Because the Waterfront connects easily to the broader trail network and downtown, it can easily anchor a half-day or full-day outing.
Getting There & Parking
The Vancouver Waterfront is accessible by car, bike, or on foot, with a mix of paid, limited-cost, and park-and-walk parking options nearby.
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Free parking is available east of the Interstate Bridge with access to the Columbia River Renaissance Trail. West of the bridge—where the newer development sits—there are pay-to-park lots. On weekdays, some street-parking is free after 6 P.M.; on weekends, street parking is often free.
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For transit/bike/walk: the Waterfront is walkable from nearby downtown areas; the Waterfront Renaissance Trail makes it accessible for cyclists and pedestrians, with paved paths along the river.
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For a park-and-ride solution: while there’s no large dedicated park-and-ride lot for Waterfront visitors, the free parking east of the bridge plus trail access makes using public or park-and-walk reasonable.
For the closest access to the restaurants, Grant Street Pier, and Waterfront Park, most visitors choose one of the paid options right on the riverfront, including the Waterfront Vancouver Parking Center and nearby Terminal 1 garage. On-street parking in the Waterfront District is metered on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and free in designated spaces outside those hours.
If you don’t mind a short walk, downtown and Esther Short Park offer additional garage and street parking, with many options free during evenings and weekends. For a budget-friendly “park and walk” experience, you can also park east of the I-5 Bridge at Columbia River Renaissance Trail access points and follow the paved trail along the river to the Waterfront.
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Closest & most convenient (paid): Waterfront Vancouver Parking Center (garage), Terminal 1 Garage, and metered on-street spaces near the riverfront.
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Short walk, more options: Downtown / Esther Short area, with a mix of street and garage parking. Many spots are free evenings and weekends.
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Free “park and walk” option: Free lots east of the I-5 Bridge at Columbia River Renaissance Trail access points; follow the paved trail along the Columbia River to reach the Waterfront.
Accessibility & Visitor Amenities
Paved paths, seating areas, and public facilities make the Waterfront welcoming for visitors of varying mobility levels.
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The Waterfront and connected trail are paved and accessible, suitable for walking, biking, strollers, and wheelchair-friendly access—making it a great option for visitors of all mobility levels.
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Public restrooms: there are at least two public restrooms near the Waterfront—one located close to the seasonal walk-up window and one near the water-feature/park area.
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Seating, benches, lawns, picnic-friendly spaces—Waterfront Park is designed to accommodate visitors resting, picnicking, or watching the river.
Visiting With Kids or Pets
Family-Friendly Waterfront
With open spaces, interactive features, and easy walking paths, the Waterfront is well suited for visitors of all ages.
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The interactive Headwaters Wall—water-feature and educational map of the Columbia River watershed—is ideal for kids during warm months. -
Open lawns, the urban beach (for sand play), and green space make the Waterfront great for family picnics, casual play, and easy strolls.
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The paved trail makes stroller- and walker-friendly options easy if you don’t want an ambitious hike.
Dog-Friendly—Bring Your Leash
Leashed dogs are welcome along the Waterfront and nearby trails, and many patios accommodate pets.
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The Waterfront—including Waterfront Park and the connected Columbia River Renaissance Trail—is dog-friendly: dogs on leash are allowed.
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Many restaurants and tasting rooms nearby welcome dogs on patios.
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Because Vancouver and Clark County have many off-leash dog parks nearby (though not at the Waterfront itself), visitors can easily combine a Waterfront stroll with a dedicated dog-park visit.
When to Visit & Special Events
Best Seasons & Time of Day
Each season offers a different Waterfront experience, from summer evenings by the river to quieter walks in spring and fall.
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Summer: warm weather → enjoy the water-feature, patios, and longer daylight hours—perfect for strolls and dining with sunset views.
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Spring / Fall: milder weather, fewer crowds → ideal for walking the Waterfront or combining with downtown activities.
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Evening / Night: the Waterfront and pier are popular spots to catch sunset over the Columbia River and skyline views (including across the river), and the promenade tends to stay friendly and well-lit.
Events & Festivals
The Waterfront hosts and overlooks a variety of seasonal events and community celebrations throughout the year.
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The Waterfront hosts or is a prime vantage point for community events. For example, the Christmas Ships Parade—a long-running holiday tradition—is visible from Waterfront Park and the Grant Street Pier, with many locals watching from Waterfront restaurants. And each summer the Waterfront Concert Series brings an eclectic mix of music to the water's edge.
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Additionally, the Waterfront is listed among free things to do in Vancouver: walks, people-watching, riverfront strolls, often part of rotating “free events” and community-driven activities.
Nearby Attractions & Extending Your Visit
The Waterfront sits close to downtown Vancouver, historic sites, parks, and trails, making it easy to build a longer itinerary.
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The Waterfront connects (via trail or a short drive) to many of Vancouver’s historic and cultural sites—including the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and historic downtown, mixing riverfront leisure with history, shopping, and more.
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Downtown Vancouver’s vintage shops, bakeries, breweries, and local businesses are just minutes away—great for making a full-day of your visit (walk, eat, shop, explore).
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For outdoors lovers: the trail system continues beyond the Waterfront, meaning you can extend into full-day hikes, combine with other parks, or bring a bike for longer rides along the Columbia River or nearby natural areas.
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Make it a longer stay: With hotels like AC Hotel Marriott and Hotel Indigo right on the riverfront, you can wake up steps from the trail, restaurants, and morning waterfront views.
Where to Stay Near the Vancouver Waterfront
If you’re planning an overnight or weekend trip, staying near the Vancouver Waterfront makes it easy to enjoy river views, dining, trails, and sunsets right outside your door.
AC Hotel Marriott Vancouver Waterfront
A sleek, modern hotel located directly on the riverfront. Guests enjoy Columbia River views, comfortable rooms, an onsite restaurant and lounge, and immediate access to the Waterfront trail, Grant Street Pier, and nearby restaurants.
Hotel Indigo Vancouver Waterfront
A boutique-inspired hotel with a warm, contemporary atmosphere. Its riverside location and rooftop lounge make it a great pick for visitors who want to relax after a day of exploring. The hotel sits steps from the Waterfront’s shops, tasting rooms, and riverfront paths.
Stay in Nearby Downtown Vancouver
Just a short walk from the Waterfront, downtown Vancouver offers additional hotel options ranging from boutique stays to nationally recognized brands. It’s a convenient base for visitors who want walkability to both the Waterfront and the city center.
Tip: Staying close to the Waterfront means you can start your morning with a riverfront walk and end your evening with a sunset over the Columbia—without ever needing to drive.